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Interpersonal disorder in schizoid and avoidant personality disorders: an attachment perspective
M West1, M S Rose, A Sheldon-Keller
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Alberta.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Schizoid and avoidant personality disordered patients showed similar desires for close relationships, despite differing views on attachment security. This challenges some aspects of attachment theory in clinical populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Avoidant attachment styles are characterized by emotional distance and self-sufficiency.
- Understanding these styles is crucial for diagnosing and treating personality disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate characteristics of avoidant attachment in schizoid/avoidant versus nonschizoid/avoidant psychiatric outpatients.
- To compare these groups based on attachment-related scales.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three scales: "maintains distance in relationships," "high priority on self-sufficiency," and "attachment relationship is a threat to security."
- Compared 13 schizoid/avoidant patients with 20 nonschizoid/avoidant patients.
Main Results:
- The three scales successfully differentiated schizoid/avoidant personality disordered patients from other personality disordered patients.
- No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the desire for close affectional bonds.
Conclusions:
- Despite distinct interpersonal strategies, schizoid and avoidant personality disordered patients share a similar underlying desire for affectional bonds.
- Findings contribute to the attachment and DSM diagnostic models of avoidant relationship styles.